Daijiworld Media Network – Bangkok

Bangkok, Apr 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India’s support for cancer care and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in traditional medicine across BIMSTEC countries, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional health and wellness.

Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok, PM Modi unveiled a comprehensive 21-point action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation across diverse sectors.

“Public health is a vital pillar of our collective social development. I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries,” said the Prime Minister.

Further emphasizing India’s holistic approach to healthcare, PM Modi added, “A Centre of Excellence will be established to promote research and dissemination of traditional medicine.”

India and Thailand share strong cultural and medical ties, especially in the field of traditional medicine. The collaboration is expected to receive a significant push with this new announcement.

In 2023, the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, signed an MoU with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine to foster academic and research cooperation in Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine.

Under the ministry of Ayush’s Ayush Scholarship Scheme — offered through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) — students from BIMSTEC nations can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Yoga, and related fields. Over the past five years, 175 students from the region have benefitted from the programme.

The announcement by PM Modi further strengthens India’s leadership role in advancing regional health initiatives, especially in areas rooted in traditional knowledge systems.